Heightened national immigration enforcement and high profile ICE raids have sent shockwaves through our communities.
In Kansas City, local nonprofits and advocacy groups have stepped up in big ways to offer help in the form of legal support, rights education, emergency assistance and even community solidarity.
All across the country, allied organizations and individuals are on the front lines advocating for those vulnerable to family separation. For those needing help, or wanting to support neighbors during these times, bookmarke this guide for local and national organizations ready to work and make a big impact.
Responding to ICE: Community and Advocacy Organizations in Kansas City and Beyond
Local Organizations Providing Important Services
Advocates for Immigrant Rights and Reconciliation (AIRR)
AIRR aims to empower immigrant communities in Kansas and Missouri by educating them on how to advocate for their own rights and well-being. This organization wholeheartedly believes no matter where a person was born, he or she deserves a chance at a safe and dignified life. They played a central role in documenting and responding publicly to federal immigration raids in the Kansas City area, and have worked tirelessly on legislative policy to protect local immigrants. They need dedicated volunteers who are ready to work hard for their community.
Asylum Clinic Kansas City
Asylum Clinic Kansas City provides accessible and pro bono legal services to immigrants and refugees navigating the complex U.S. asylum process. Their work helps individuals prepare critical documentation and secure due process, which can be lifesaving during periods of intensified enforcement. To donate to this non-profit, and help provide critical legal help to those in need, follow this link.
Boots on the Ground Midwest
Boots on the Ground Midwest is a grassroots mobilization initiative that organizes community action and support networks in response to crises, including federal immigration policy changes. While not exclusively an immigrant service provider, their Immigration page highlights organizations serving populations under attack and activism toolkits that help residents support immigrant neighbors.
Communities Concerned for Immigrants & Refugees (CCIR)
Understanding that the resilience of immigrants and refugees strengthens our communities, CCIR works collaboratively to connect those in need with local resources and support systems. It acts as a hub for access to those offering legal help, healthcare and emergency assistance. There are lots of ways to get involved.
El Centro
El Centro provides a broad suite of support including educational services, advocacy, citizenship and DACA clinics. “Know Your Rights” workshops are a very important part of their services currently, as they prepare immigrants for encounters with immigration agents or law enforcement. Volunteering for this non-profit can make a big impact, as do your donated dollars.
Eye of an Immigrant
What started as a way to tell the stories of immigrants and their journeys to America, has now become a full-blown nonprofit, dedicated to creating pathways to citizenship and community integration. Their approach starts with the story, but follows the individual and family through to citizenship, while helping with financial and resource assistance along the way. They are always looking for a helping hand, and appreciate donations and volunteers.
Guadalupe Centers
One of Kansas City’s oldest and largest Latino serving nonprofits, Guadalupe Centers offer social services, emergency assistance, family support, workforce development and case management. It can also help link immigrants with important legal aid. In partnership with Harvester’s, they provide individuals and families necessary emergent services and food. For those affected by fear of enforcement, it can bring needed relief to their daily lives.
Mattie Rhodes Center
Mattie Rhodes is a community development organization offering public and behavioral health services, youth programs and economic support. Its far reaching support is a life line to those most vulnerable within our communities. These services help immigrants navigate the stress and upheaval associated with ICE enforcement, while strengthening their community ties and networks. Donations go directly back to those in the Kansas City metro area.
National Organizations
American Immigration Council
The American Immigration Council is a policy and advocacy organization providing legal analysis, education and resources on immigration enforcement. They want all Americans to be able to understand and legally contest ICE actions. Their efforts provide free or affordable legal counsel to those in need.
National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC)
NIJC provides direct legal representation to immigrants facing deportation, works to keep families together and challenges unjust laws impacting detained individuals. They’re a key defender for people caught in or threatened by ICE actions.
United We Dream
United We Dream is youth led and organizes advocacy campaigns, educates young immigrants about their rights and mobilizes support in response to enforcement policies nationwide.
Donate and Support Those in Need
Donations to these organizations fund legal aid, emergency assistance, advocacy campaigns and community programs that directly benefit individuals and families affected by unjust enforcement. Every dollar donated strengthens community resilience and ensures that immigrants facing fear and uncertainty have access to justice and essential support.
Additional Action Items
Beyond donating, consider the following:
- Attend Rapid Response Training to understand how to help friends and neighbors.
- Know your rights if you do encounter ICE agents.
- CALL and WRITE your elected officials often. They work for the people!
As ICE enforcement actions continue to impact communities in Kansas City and throughout the United States, a range of dedicated organizations are stepping in and up to protect those most vulnerable. Their work is vital in protecting rights and empowering immigrant families in their pursuit of safety and stability. By supporting them, we are supporting the rights of all Americans.
